County: Fairfax
ZIP Codes: 20170, 20172, 22095
Herndon, Virginia, being situated approximately 175 miles inland from the Atlantic, historically tends to have lower hurricane threats compared to the coastal areas, but threats are not entirely absent. Despite Herndon's distance from the coast, it has seen impacts from major hurricanes, including high winds, heavy rainfall, and the associated flooding risks. The town, at a relatively low elevation of about 364 feet above sea level, can be susceptible to rain-induced flooding from hurricanes or tropical storms. The nearby Potomac River, while not typically posing a direct flood risk to Herndon due to its distance, can attribute to the regional rise in water levels, especially after significant rain. Over the last 30 years, Herndon has seen impacts from several major Atlantic hurricanes, including Hurricane Isabel in 2003, Irene in 2011, and more recently, Hurricane Sandy in 2012. There was significant rainfall and some flood incidents connected to these storms, primarily affecting low-lying areas. While these storms weakened considerably by the time they reached Herndon due to its greater distance from the coast, they still caused noticeable disruption. The historical precedent indicates that while hurricanes might be less severe in Herndon compared to coastal areas, preparation and awareness for changes in weather conditions should be maintained when there's a potential for hurricanes.